PS 3513 


.03 L4 


1917 


Copy 1 



THE LEAK 

A story of political and financial intrigue. 



/; BY 

Pr Df GOLD, Jr. 



NEW YORK 

1917 



Copyrighted, 1917 

by 

p. D. Gold, Jr. 
All rights reserved 



/ 



G)CI,A453932 

FEB -5 1917 



13 






THE LEAK 

A Story of Political and Financial Intrigue. 

By P. D. Gold, Jr. 

Chapter One. 
In Novemiber, 1912, immediately following the National 
Election, Wallace W. Raydon, multi-millionaire, and Rodney P. 
Norton, attorney for financial interests, meet in the Kismet Club, 
New York, to discuss re-organization of their secret forces in 
Washington, made necessary by the early advent of the new 
party in power, Dennis McConnell, ex-labor organizer, confers 
with them. 

Chapter Two. 
Randolph Claiborne Schuyler, formerly lobbyist in Albany, 
later representative of dollar diplomacy in European capitals, is 
selected to head the new organization. His first duty is to gain 
the confidence of the new Chairman of the Foreign Relations 
Committee of the United States Senate. By right of seniority 
Senator George Mason, of South Carolina, will be the man, and 
Schuyler is delegated to "get next." Upon returning home in 
the evening he apprises his mother of his commission. 

Chapter Three. 
Randolph Schuyler's mother is the wife of old John Schuy- 
ler, years her senior. Her first husband was Randolph Clai- 
borne, father of Randolph Claiborne Schuyler, whose name was 
legally changed. In 1866, as Ruth Moran, a child of twelve, 
she had gone with her father, Tom Moran, a "carpet-bagger," 
to Bennington, South Carolina. There she spent her young 
womanhood, a chum of Jeannette Covington, a girl of her own 
age. Ruth married Randolph Claiborne; Jeannette married his 
most intimate friend, George Mason, in whom jealousy is en- 
gendered from some unknown cause, precipitating a tragedy. 



In an unwitnessed duel in Claiborne's law office Claiborne is 
killed, and Mason, wounded in the head, survives an imbecile. 
Each wife blames the other. Within a few months a son is 
born to each, to Jeanette Mason at her home in Bennington — 
to Ruth Claiborne at her aunt's home in New York, where 
she had gone after her husband's death. Senator George Ma- 
son and Randolph Claiborne Schuyler are the two children grown 
up. 

Chapter Four. 
Norton, backed by Raydon and the powerful Calumet Bank, 
arranges for Schuyler to be properly introduced through their 
correspondent at Bennington. Schuyler leaves New York with 
the prayers of his mother that he may reap vengeance on Ma- 
son, the son of the man who killed his father. 

Chapter Five. 
Schuyler arrives in Bennington, and is met by Hamilton, the 
Vice-President of the Calumet Bank on his return from Havana, 
who "puts him right" with Malcolm Turner, ex-overseer and 
slave driver, but now president of the First National Bank of 
Bennington and the richest man in the State. Under the name 
of "Schuyler" no one suspects his identity as a descendant of 
the old Claiborne Family. 

Chapter Six. 
Schuyler accepts Turner's invitation to be his house guest at 
"KnoUwood Towers," is introduced to Mason as the friend of 

the Turner family, and finds Gertrude Benton a guest of Mrs. 
Mason. 

Chapter Seven. 
Norton and Raydon proceed in the development of their 
plans, selecting Benjamin K. Runk, a New York lawyer from 
down town west side for the post of Minister to San Cristobal, 
and proceed through McConnell to obtain endorsements for 
him from the labor unions and his congressman. 

Chapter Bight. 
Bill Flanders, head of the Longshoremen's Union, opposes 
Runk's endorsement. McConnell passes it over his head after 
a fierce fight. 



Supreme Court, makes a casual remark which Schuyler, from 
his vantage point of information, recognizes as valuable in the 
Consolidated dissolution suit. He apprises Norton and Raydon, 
who make millions in selling stocks short. 

Chapter Twenty-One. 
The Leak is further perfected, the net further spread to 
catch the unwary. 3chuyler's house has become the rendezvous 
of those interested in literature, art and politics. Few secrets 
of the government pass him by. 

Chapter Tzveniy-Tzvo. 
Norton's spies report to Schuyler that they have shadowed 
Senator Mason and his mother to a private insane asylum in 
Baltimore, where they visit an old man who has been confined 
as an imbecile for thirty years. 

Chapter Tiventy-Three. 
Norton orders Schuyler to attend a labor meeting in Pitts- 
burgh. Advises Gertrude he is going West on business. She 
goes to New York with her father, and in the Calumet Bank 
sees Norton and overhears conversation concerning him. Later 
she sees Schuyler, who has come on from Pittsburgh, rid- 
ing with Norton. This gives her a clue to Schuyler's identity 
and activities in Washington. 

Chapter Twenty-Four. 
The Inauguration of March 4th, 1913 and the new party is 
in complete control in the executive and legislative branches of 
the Government. 

Chapter Twenty-Five. 
Turner clashes with Schuyler. Mrs. Mason tells Schuyler 
that Gertrude Benton loves him. He goes to her, but she refuses 
his hand, but acknowledges he has her heart. He cannot un- 
derstand, never suspecting her knowledge of his occupation. 

Chapter Twenty-Six. 

Turner reports clash with Schuyler to Norton and the 
Calumet Bank, Schuyler is reminded that Turner is part of the 
system. Mason confides to Schuyler that the President objects 



to the appointment of Runk unless he will personally vouch for 
him, which he will do if Schuyler will vouch to Mason. The 
latter has struggles between his esteem for Mason and his suc- 
cess. The latter wins, however, and he vouches for Runk to 
Mason, whose appointment is promised. 

Chapter Twenty-Seven. 
Norton learns through Turner's familiarity with the past 
history of the Mason family, and the spies sent by him to the 
insane asylum that the old man is the imbecile father of the Sena- 
tor. Schuyler is so advised, and a flood of sympathy over- 
whelms him as he contemplates the years of anguish that the 
wife and son have suffered. His hatred for Turner and his 
esteem for Mason increase in proportion. He goes to Benning- 
ton with Lawson, who marries Grace, daughter of Malcolm Tur- 
ner. 

Chapter Twenty- Bight. 

Malcolm Turner plays the market, loses, seeks loan from 
the Calumet Bank, is declined by Whiting, its President. 
Through the instigation of Norton, who has troubles of his own 
and wishes to play safe. Turner goes to Pearson, the rival of 
the Raydon interests for help. He offers to have their man 
Andrews appointed as minister to San Cristobal, and they prom- 
ise financial aid upon his delivery of the appointment. Nor- 
ton is a partner with Turner in this arrangement, and will win 
whether Runk or Andrews is appointed. 

Chapter Twenty-Nine. 
Schuyler remains in Bennington, and visits Dave and Vlney 
Claiborne, two old negroes, family servants of his grandfather, 
whom he has accidentally met the previous Fall on a hunt w'th 
Lawson. He hears the story of his family that Malcolm Tur- 
ner was the cause of the strife between his and Mason's fathers, 
resulting in the tragedy. He finds the Claiborne Family Bible, 
and record. He learns that Senator Mason's mother had suc- 
cored the grandfather in his infirmities and had been the Qai- 
bornes' best friend. 

Chapter Thirty. 

The old servants recognize Schuyler from his likeness to 



Chapter Nine 
Schuyler in Bennington makes good, ingratiating himself 
into the good will of Senator Mason ; at the same time falling in 
love with Gertrude Benton. He finds himself coming to ad- 
mire Mason, whom he wished to hate as the enemy of his family. 

Chapter Ten. 
Bob Lawson, Secretary to Mason, and who will be Chief 
Clerk of the Foreign Relations Committee, entertains Schuyler 
with a quail hunt. Schuyler makes a friend. After a week's 
delightful visit, he returns to Washington. 

Chapter Eleven. 
Schuyler is met in Washington by Quinley, whom Norton 
has provided as his secretary and who has leased, in Schuyler's 

name, a house on Sixteenth Street. A private telephone line 
is installed between this and Norton's house in New York. 

Chapter Twelve. 
Mrs. John Schuyler receives an early call from her son, 
whom she suspects, from his letters, is weakening in his spirit 
of revenge through the warmth of Southern cordiality. She 
endeavors again to instill the virus of hate against the Masons. 

Chapter Thirteen. 
Norton is angered by the breaking of the private wire during 
a conversation with Forbey, reciting the shooting of Linton, one 
of Norton's men, by a Madame Verdes, an adventuress. He 
and Schuyler, who has come into New York, clash, but not 
seriously. Schuyler finds himself unconsciously defending Ma- 
son against the machinations of Turner and Norton. 

Chapter Fourteen. 

Gertrude Benton, returns to her home in Washington. The 
Masons, also return for the short session of Congress. They 
are met by Schuyler. Both families accept him as an intimate 
friend. Mason introduces him to other senators, and the wid- 
ening of his acquaintanceship begins. 

He finds Norton has tapped his local telephone wire, and: 
his Secretary, Quinley, and his chaufifeur, Varrelli, are paid spies^ 



Chapter Fifteen. 
Congress convenes. Schuyler and Gertrude hear Mason's 
speech against special interests. Schuyler proceeds to apply 
through his friends for membership in the various clubs in Wash- 
ington, and establishes himself as a wealthy student of sociologi- 
cal and economic reform. 

Chapter Sixteen. 
Returning home from a drive with Gertrude Benton, Schuy- 
ler finds Madame Verdes, who shot Linton, leaving his house. 
He has Ralph, the butler, shadow her. Runk pays visit. Also 
Norton, with Whichard, President of the bank which is the 
Washington correspondent of the Calumet. Forbey, Quinley, 
Schuyler and Norton confer at midnight and the organization 
of the Leak is perfected. 

Chapter Seventeen. 
In order to strengthen Schuyler with Mason, Turner is or- 
dered by the Calumet to call immediately upon the Senator for 
the payment of a loan of $25,000.00 „ which Turner holds on 
Mason Manor. Mason is unable to raise the money, and confers 
with his wife on his predicament. 

Chapter Eighteen. 

Senator Mason, in the embarrassment of debt, asks Lawson, 
his secretary, to endeavor to find a lender. He consults Schuy- 
ler, who readily offers to loan the money, which is in accord 
with Norton's plans. Schuyler is held by the Senator and his 
wife as their benefactor and dearest friend. 

Chapter Nineteen. 
Quinley visits Madame Verdes in her lodging house in the 
South-East of the city, and bribes her to leave Washington. 

Chapter Twenty. 
Schuyler with Gertrude Benton attends the Army and Navy 
Club dance. Overhears conversation to the effect that she is 
engaged to Lieutenant-Commander Tappan. Schuyler's manner 
changes, which mystifies Gertrude, who is in love with him and 
has rejected Tappan. In a golf game Judge Mallory, of the 



the picture of his father. His investigation proves their state- 
ment correct. He writes his mother the truth and determines 
to cease his machinations against Mason on the side of Turner. 

Chapter Thirty- One 
Schuyler meets Norton in Washington. Breaks with him 
and resigns, as head of the Leak. Latter seeks Turner, and to- 
gether they hatch a conspiracy against Schuyler and Mason, 
which is overheard by Turner's daughter, Grace Lawson, who 
reports to Gertrude Benton. Gertrude, to save the man she 
loves but will not marry, reports to him. Schuyler confesses 
all — explains as the reason, the Mason-Claiborne feud. He now 
realizes the mistake, and that Turner is the enemy. In her 
love she does not wait, but gives herself to him and enters into 
the fight to checkmate Norton. 

Chapter Thirty-Two. 
Gertrude and Schuyler endeavor to prevent confirmation of 
Runk, who has already been appointed. The Senate is in ex- 
ecutive session, and with difficulty they get word to Mason, but 
only after Runk has been confirmed. However, the Senator 
hastens back to the Chamber just in time to move for recon- 
sideration. Later, in the Senator's office, Schuyler reveals his 
identity as the son of Randolph Claiborne, tells him of the or- 
ganized Leak, and the machinations to involve him. The Sena- 
tor's loyalty to his duty surmounts his affection for Schuyler, 
who disclaims desire for immunity. Mason recognizes the ser- 
vice in stopping the Leak, and suggests remedy in which Schuyler 
agrees to aid. 

Chapter Thirty-Three. 
Turner's fortune wiped out in the panic, Pearson notifies 
him all negotiations terminated, which closes the door of hope 
there. Disconsolate, he seeks Norton, who is conferring with 
Dennis McConnell. Forbey, through Leak, learns of strange ac- 
tion of Senate in Runk's confirmation. At Norton's suggestion^ 
Schuyler comes to his room, invited for the purpose of reconcilia- 
tion. Instead he accuses Norton and Turner of conspiracy 
against Mason and himself — of their duplicity to the Raydon in- 
terests, and declares his determination to assist Senator Mason 



in stopping the Leak, but eases Norton's mind by assuring him 
he will not incriminate others. Schuyler accuses Turner 
of being the cause of the death of his father and worse than 
death of Mason's father. McConnell espouses the cause of 
Schuyler, defending him against the attacks of the frenzied man, 
Turner. 

Chapter Thirty-Four. 
Mrs. Ruth Schuyler journeying from New York to Wash- 
ington notices passenger who boards the train at Baltimore, and 
sits in opposite seat. This woman is Mrs. Jeannette Mason, the 
mother of Senator Mason. Each one recognizes in the other 
someone she has previously known but can not locate. The train 
is wrecked. Mrs. Schuyler pinioned by a chair, is succored by 
Mrs. Mason, who is uninjured. While the oncoming flames of 
the burning cars almost envelop them, each woman recogpnizes 
in the other the friend of her girlhood, and later her bitter enemy. 
All hate has now gone however in the presence of death, and Mrs, 
Schuyler's knowledge of the truth. They are rescued, and Ger- 
trude, Mason, and Schuyler rushing to the scene find Mrs. Mason 
ministering to the comforts of Mrs. Schuyler. In Schuyler's au- 
tomobile, they return to the city, the two women — the mothers — 
reunited, the sons contented in their mutual affection, Schuyler and 
Gertrude in the happiness of perfect love. The horizon of the 
future spreads before them — a pathway to the stars. — Finis. 



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